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Ontario RNs call for swift political action to pass Ryan's Law

Toronto – Ontario's children deserve a safe environment at school, which is why the province's top nursing association is urging politicians to act swiftly to implement Ryan's Law.

The Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) applauds Elgin-Middlesex-London MPP Jeff Yurek for introducing Bill 135, Ryan's Law (Ensuring Asthma Friendly Schools), and issued a letter today to MPPs from all three political parties calling for co-operation and compassion in passing this vital legislation.

The bill comes in the wake of the tragic death of 12-year-old Ryan Gibbons, who died in 2012 after suffering a severe asthma attack at school. As per school policy, Gibbons was not allowed to carry his inhaler, which was locked up in the school's office.

Ryan's Law, which has passed a second reading at Queen's Park, would require all Ontario school boards to adopt a comprehensive asthma strategy. The bill will now be reviewed by the Standing Committee on Social Policy.

RNAO's 36,000 members know consistent asthma policy is necessary to improve safety for all students. RNAO's Best Practice Guideline, Promoting Asthma Control in Children, outlines knowledge-based strategies to care for children with asthma.

A copy of RNAO's letter to Ontario political leaders is available here.

The Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) is the professional association representing registered nurses wherever they practise in Ontario. Since 1925, RNAO has advocated for healthy public policy, promoted excellence in nursing practice, increased nurses' contribution to shaping the health-care system, and influenced decisions that affect nurses and the public they serve.